Is the Tesla Cybertruck a RealTruck?

Cybertruck Overview

The Tesla Cybertruck is one of this generation’s most polarizing vehicles—it’s a modern-day equivalent to the DMC DeLorean, sharing similar futuristic styling and mixed reception. 

Those who embrace the EV wave tend to view the Cybertruck as a necessary evolution in automotive engineering, welcoming the shift from prototypical automotive design and tech. However, those who loathe electric vehicles typically view the geometric design elements, radical electronics, and fully electric design as a gimmicky step in the wrong direction—but which side of the aisle is more justified? Before jumping to conclusions, let’s first analyze the Cybertruck for what it is rather than what it stands for. 

At its core, the Tesla Cybertruck is a fully electric pickup truck. Offered in dual and tri-motor (Cyberbeast) configurations, the pickup offers plenty of oomph to compete with and even outgun other production pickup trucks in the relative horsepower and torque departments. Inside the cabin, the Cybertruck looks comfortably familiar—especially if you’ve piloted one of Tesla’s other EVs, like the Model S, Model X, Model Y, or Model 3. 

Exterior-wise, the Cybertruck features a wild geometric design and raw, brushed stainless steel body—the main point of contention for auto enthusiasts. While half of the market embraces its futuristic styling, the remaining half has coined kitchen-appliance-based nicknames like “refrigerator” and “toaster.” 

Looks aside, how does the thing perform?

Cybertruck Specs

Albeit aesthetically polarizing, the Cybertruck’s performance is one area even naysayers can’t contest—aside from its measly 90–150-mile range while towing. To drive home this point, let’s look at some specifications.

The Cybertruck comes in two current configurations (Cyberbeast and AWD) with a third, entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive model on the way in 2025. In top trimmings, the 845-hp Cyberbeast makes it to 60 miles per hour in just 2.6 seconds, making it the quickest pickup truck ever produced. Even the mid-tier AWD Cybertruck matches the RAM TRX at a blistering 4.1 seconds. While the base-level Cybertruck has yet to be released, it demonstrates a claimed 6.5-second 0–60 time. Not bad for a refrigerator on wheels, eh?

What Makes a Truck a Truck?

While the Cybertruck is undeniably powerful, this is just one of several qualities we’d expect from a modern pickup truck. Other, arguably more crucial characteristics include substantial towing and hauling capacities, ample storage, off-road prowess, and relative durability.

Ample Storage (Bed Space, Cargo Space, Bonus Storage)

The Tesla Cybertruck may not sport the largest bed of full-size pickups–measuring 6 feet by 4 feet–but it’s plenty large to satisfy most pickup owners. Whether hauling a matching Tesla Cyberquad, furniture, building supplies, or camping gear, the Cybertruck’s bed is more than capable. However, that’s not the only cargo area in Cybertruck. 

Without an engine under the hood, Tesla engineers transformed what would typically be the engine bay into a bonus storage space, offering 67 cubic feet of lockable storage. Combined, the Cybertruck boasts an impressive 120.9 cubic feet of cargo space. By comparison, a 2024 F-150 with an 8-ft. bed only offers 77.4 cubic feet of storage. 

Going off of cargo space alone, the Cybertruck is undoubtedly a RealTruck.

Impressive Towing and Payload Specs

So, what about towing and payload capacities? As an EV, the Cybertruck already tips the scale at over 6,000 pounds, considering its sizable lithium battery pack and all-stainless-steel body. However, its impressive horsepower and torque specs effortlessly move the 6,000-lb. truck. But what about a trailer? 

Cyberbeast and AWD models boast impressive towing capacities of 11,000 pounds—on par with most full-size, half-ton pickup trucks. Its 2,500-lbs. payload capacity also places the Cybertruck in the middle of the half-ton pickup class, outdoing nearly all EV competitors and several fossil-fuel-powered trucks. 

Regarding payload and towing capacities, the Cybertruck is—once again— a RealTruck. However, keep in mind that the Cybertruck’s advertised range drops considerably with a trailer on the hitch.

Off-Road Prowess

Now that we know the Cybertruck can hold its own on pavement, what about on the dirt? While not every pickup boasts exceptional off-road performance, any truck should be able to handle a quick trek off the beaten path. 

Fortunately, the Cybertruck hits this marker as well. With an impressive 16 inches of ground clearance (in Tesla’s Extraction mode), the Cybertruck can crest sizable obstacles and uneven terrain. Its all-wheel-drive system also offers considerable off-road traction with the all-new Off-Road mode, supplied through an over-the-air update in April 2024, which finally activated the truck’s long-anticipated locking differentials. 

While the Cybertruck won't outrun a RAM TRX or Ford Raptor R in the dirt, moderate off-road driving is no challenge. Once again, we can’t help but find the Cybertruck to be a RealTruck.

Overall Durability

Lastly, let’s talk about durability. Pickup trucks are the backbone of the American blue-collar workforce. As such, they need to possess some semblance of durability beyond conventional passenger vehicles. 

While one look at the Cybertruck suggests its use of heavy-duty materials, is this merely aesthetic? Fortunately, no. Tesla engineers each Cybertruck out of heavy-duty “HFS” stainless steel, which stands for Hard Freaking Stainless…literally. Most body panels are 1.4mm thick, while the doors gain an additional .4 mm for superior door-ding resistance. This heavy-duty alloy resists corrosion, dents, and dings, while the factory-brushed finish effortlessly hides scratches, scuffs, and trail pinstripes.  

The Cybertruck also utilizes specialized Armor Glass for all windows, withstanding class 4 hail and a direct strike from a 70 MPH baseball. How durable will the truck be in the long run? Only time will tell. However, judging from its base materials and initial claims by Tesla, very. 

Once again, the Tesla Cybertruck meets RealTruck’s qualifications.

Is the Tesla Cybertruck a RealTruck?

So, is the Cybertruck a RealTruck? Judging by its passing all of our tests, we’ll have to answer this question with a resounding “yes.” The Cybertruck undoubtedly boasts the qualities of a RealTruck. Featuring an impressive powertrain, loads of cargo space, solid towing and payload capacities, and a body manufactured from essentially bulletproof materials, the Cybertruck offers everything a truck should, and more. 

However, we’re still on the fence about the whole EV thing, as well as the truck’s “refrigerator” styling.

Tesla Cybertruck Accessories

While the Cybertruck isn’t a heavily-supported vehicle, we offer some parts and accessories to increase practicality and protection. Check out our Cybertruck products and accessories, including car covers, truck bed accessories, seat covers, and more. 

 As always,contact our experts for any product inquiries or assistance.